Upcoming Fall Festivals in Colorado

With the leaves already changing, another fun Colorado fall kicks off! The season runs from the Autumn Equinox on Tuesday, September 22nd, to Monday, December 21st, 2022, the day before the Winter Solstice.

Autumn is full of exciting festivals in Colorado, toasting an end to summer and welcoming the cooler fall weather. Aspens transition to shades of red and the beer gets darker. Rafts are traded for snow tubes and hiking boots for ski boots. It’s an exciting time in the Centennial State!

2022 Annual Colorado Fall Festivals

A slew of Colorado Oktoberfests kicked off at the end of August and run through mid-October. These are just a few of the libation-filled festivals to warm you up. There’s also the Great American Beer Fest, Breckenridge Craft Spirits Festival, and Denver International Wine Festival.

Festivals in September

Vail Film Festival

• Date: Thur-Sun, September 22 – 25, 2022
• Address: Vail
• About: An annual 4-day film festival showcasing independent movies and screenplays.

Chile & Frijoles Festival

• Date: Fri-Sun, September 23-25, 2022
• Address: Pueblo
• About: Annual three-day pepper party held the third weekend after Labor Day. Farmers sell more than 50,000 pounds of peppers, including the Mirasol, a native to the Pueblo region.

Steers & Beers Whiskey and Beer Festival

• Date: Sat, September 24, 2022
• Address: Colorado Springs
• About: Annual beer and whiskey festival held at the 4-star Antlers Hotel in downtown COS.

Sundown Colorado

• Date: Saturday, September 24, 2022
• Address: Quad at Auraria Campus, Denver
• About: Denver’s first sober music festival that focuses on mindfulness, wellness, and connecting to each other through music.

Pikes Peak Regional Air Show

• Date: Sat-Sun, September 24-25, 2022
• Address: Colorado Springs
• About: The Pikes Peak Regional Air Show is a must-attend event for those who love military planes. Featuring live demonstrations, WWII Flying Warbirds, and a kids’ zone, this two-day event is meant for those who love air shows.

Durango Cowboy Poetry Gathering

• Date: Thur-Sun, September 29 – October 2, 2022
• Address: Durango
• About: Celebrate the rich history of the American cowboy, with live performances, poets, and musicians, now in its 34th year.

Handmade In Colorado Expo: Fillmore Plaza

• Date: Fri-Sun, September 30 – October 2, 2022
• Address: Fillmore Plaza, Cheery Creek, Denver
• About: 15th annual art event held over three weekends at three different venues showcasing various creations from Colorado artists.

Parker Oktoberfest

• Date: TBD 2022
• Address: O’Brien Park, Parker
• About: 14th annual event with German music, dancers, Biergarten with three Paulaner beers, Miss Oktoberfest contest, and an obstacle course, bungee tramp & a slide for kids.

Aspen Filmfest

• Date: TBD 2022
• Address: Aspen
• About: Aspen Film’s flagship event, the 41st annual Filmfest, showcasing narrative and documentary features, along with international independent films.

Festivals in October

Highlands Farmers Market

• Date: Sundays, May 22 – October 16, 2022
• Address: Highland Square, 32nd Avenue, Denver
• Great farmer’s market with handcrafted goods and locally grown produce. Go hungry because there is plenty of homemade food for sale, fresh and ready to eat.

Durango Cowboy Poetry Gathering

• Date: Thur-Sun, September 29 – October 2, 2022
• Address: Durango
• About: Celebrate the rich history of the American cowboy, with live performances, poets, and musicians, now in its 34th year.

Handmade In Colorado Expo

• Date: Fri-Sun, September 30 – October 2, 2022
• Address: Fillmore Plaza, Cheery Creek, Denver
• About: 15th annual art event held over three weekends at three different venues showcasing various creations from Colorado artists.

Elk Fest

• Date: Sat-Sun, October 1-2, 2022
• Address: Bond Park, Estes Park
• About: Fall festival celebrating the annual elk “rut”. Events include a Mountain Man Rendezvous, Native American music and dancing, a bugling contest, elk seminars, and exhibits, as well as food and craft vendors. There’s also an elk-viewing bus.

​Great American Beer Festival

• Date: Thur-Sat, October 6-8, 2022
• Address: Convention Center, Denver
• About: Now in its 40th year, GABF is one of the largest beer festivals in the US, with four sessions to choose from, and over 3500 beers.

Mile High Horror Film Festival

• Date: Thur-Wed, October 6-12, 2022
• Address: Denver
• About: Every autumn, the Mile High Horror Film Festival descends on Coloradans eager to get their fair share of scares. Back for its 13th year, this annual event has attracted notable attendees like Jack Black and Linda Blair.

Breckenridge Craft Spirits Festival

• Date: Fri-Sun, October 7-9, 2022
• Address: Breckenridge
• About: For the 10th year enjoy live music, regional liquor, and food. Events include Poker Run, Historic Saloon Walking Tour, Breckenridge Distillery Tours, Honey Gitter’s live show at the historic Gold Pan Saloon, and Hangover Brunch.

Cedaredge Applefest

• Date: Fri-Sun, October 7-9, 2022
• Address: Cedaredge
• About: Celebrate Cedaredge’s rich farming history at this annual autumn celebration happening the first full weekend in October.  Some highlights include a chili cook-off, golf tournament, 5K run, classic car show, live concerts, and apple pie sales.

Pumpkin Festival at Chatfield Farms

• Date: Fri-Sun, October 7-9, 202
• Address: Chatfield Farms, Littleton
• About: The 10-acre pumpkin patch at Chatfield Farms, operated by the Denver Botanic Gardens, operates for only one weekend. Head on out to pick out your favorite pumpkin and then stroll the other wonderful plants on display.

bRUNch Run 5K + 10K

• Date: Sun, October 9, 2022
• Address: Denver
• About: A fundraising race that comes with brunch, scented medals, and free swag, this event is for those who love getting active and eating.

Phamaly Theatre Company: Vex Vergere

• Date: Thur-Sun, October 13-23, 2022
• Address: Aurora
• About: Now in its 33rd season, the Phamaly Theatre Company presents Vex Vergere with its disability-affirmative performance ensemble in Aurora.

Telluride Horror Show

• Date: Fri-Sun, October 14-16, 2022
• Address: Nugget Theatre, Telluride
• About: The 13th annual 3-day Telluride Horror Show is the state’s spookiest and largest horror film festival boasting plenty of films to scare your pants off.

Colorado Springs Sports Hall of Fame

• Date: Tues, October 25, 2022
• Address: Colorado Springs
• About: The Colorado Springs Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony is a yearly celebration of the athletes, teams, coaches, and contributors who have left their mark on the community. Taking place at the Broadmoor World Arena, there will be a reception, silent auction, and dinner.

Emma Crawford Coffin Races & Parade

• Date: Sat, October 29, 2022
• Address: Manitou Springs
• About: Starting with a parade through town, the annual coffin races are formed of teams of four pallbearers and one “Emma”. The races have been covered nationally by the Travel Channel and are usually held on the last Saturday in October.

Denver Zombie Crawl

• Date: Sat, October 29, 2022
• Address: Lower Downtown, Denver
• About: It’s free to dress up as an undead zombie and tag along on this annual bar crawl, held at 7 pm on Saturday in LoDo. Drink tickets are purchased ahead of time.

Bloody Mary Festival

• Date: Sun, October 30, 2022
• Address: EXDO Event Center, Denver
• About: The 6th Annual Bloody Mary Festival is the largest event of its kind, boasting a range of unique and tantalizing Bloody Marys as well as plenty of food and beverages.

The 13th Floor Haunted House

• Date: Sat-Sun, September – November TBD 2022
• Address: Denver
• About: The 13th Floor Haunted House is Denver’s legendary and most horrifying Halloween event. If a night of fright is on your agenda, this is the place for you.

Treat Street

• Date: Sat, October 23, 2022
• Address: Aurora
• About: A Halloween trick-or-treating family fun event hosted at the Arapahoe County “Scaregrounds” full of costumes, games, and delicious treats.

Knock Your Boots Off Beer Tasting & Chili Cook-Off

• Date: TBD October 2022
• Address: Golden
• About: Annual chili competition featuring bottomless craft beer and chili tastings.

Dia de los Muertos

• Date: TBD October 2022
• Address: Longmont
• About: Celebrate the annual Day of the Dead Festival in Longmont. This longstanding Mexican tradition is on full display in downtown and other locations around the city.

Festivals in November

The 13th Floor Haunted House

• Date: Select days, September 16 – November 5, 2022
• Address: Denver
• About: The 13th Floor Haunted House is Denver’s legendary and most horrifying Halloween event. If a night of fright is on your agenda, this is the place for you.

Denver Film Festival

• Date: Wed-Sun, November 2-13, 2022
• Address: Denver and Colorado Springs
• About: Back for its 45th year, the Denver Film Festival showcases hundreds of full-length films, music videos, and shorts at multiple locations across the city.

Colorado Country Christmas Gift Show

• Date: Fri-Sun, November 4-6 & 11-23, 2022
• Address: Denver and Colorado Springs
• About: This Christmas-themed event is held over two weekends, the first of which is at the Colorado Convention Center and the second at the Colorado Springs Event Center. Explore the more than 450 and 300 booths, respectively, of arts, crafts, and gifts from local vendors. Santa will be on-site at both locations, so bring the kids!

Denver Arts Week

• Date: Fri-Sat, November 4-12, 2022
• Address: Denver
• About: All of Denver comes alive with creativity each November for over eight days as it collectively celebrates the city’s creative neighborhoods, museums, galleries, and all-around artistic vibe.

Wine In The Pines

• Date: Saturday, November 5, 2022
• Address: Keystone
• About: Summit County’s premier wine festival is now in its 39th year. Enjoy exquisite wine paired with savory cuisine.

Colorado Springs Record Show

• Date: Saturday, November 5, 2022
• Address: Colorado Springs
• About: With dozens of vendors and thousands of records, CDs, LPs, cassettes, 8-tracks, and more, if you love music and the sound of vinyl, this is a must-attend event.

Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival

• Date: Fri-Sun, November 11-13, 2022
• Address: Colorado Springs
• About: With the purpose of cultivating awareness, empathy, and a deeply connected community, the Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival is a 3-day celebration of women and others who are often unseen, unheard, and misunderstood.

Denver Veterans Day Run

• Date: Saturday, November 12, 2022
• Address: City Park, Denver
• About: Back for its 14th year, the Denver Veterans Day Run is both an in-person and virtual 5k and 10k event that directly benefits Colorado Vets.

Georgetown Bighorn Sheep Festival

• Date: Saturday, November 12, 2022
• Address: Georgetown
• About: Home of one of the oldest and largest bighorn herds in the entire state, enjoy wildlife programs, children’s activities, hikes, music, crafts, and more at this festival.

Denver Fashion Week

• Date: Sat-Sun, November 12-20, 2022
• Address: Denver Sports Castle, Denver
• About: Showcasing emerging, local, and national designers, the 7-day Denver Fashion Show includes daily shows that embody different themes ranging from kids couture to sustainability.

Warren Miller Film Tour

• Date: Thurs-Sat, November 17-19, 2022
• Address: Denver (multiple showings across Colorado)
• About: An annual film tour following skiers and snowboarders as they take on the snow. From backyard hills to mega mountains, this tour kicks off the winter season with a bang!

Denver Christkindlmarket

• Date: Fri-Fri, November 18-December 23, 2022
• Address: Civic Center Park, 101 14th Ave, Denver, CO 80204
• About: 21st year for the month-long Christkindl Market in downtown Denver. Experience old German traditions with authentic cuisine, live music, holiday drinks, and an artisan marketplace.

Polar Express Train Ride

• Date: Fri-Sun, November 18, 2022 – January 1, 2023
• Address: Durango
• About: Aboard the Polar Express Train Ride, you and your family will be swept away into an elaborate holiday fantasy complete with hot chocolate, a light show, holiday music, and, of course, Santa.

Denver Botanic Gardens Blossoms of Light

• Date: Fri-Sat, November 18, 2022 – January 7, 2023
• Address: Denver
• About: A stroll through the Denver Botanic Gardens is a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season. The Blossoms of Light extravaganza is a twinkling and breathtaking way to spend a winter evening.

Holidays at Outlets at Castle Rock

• Date: Mon-Fri, TBD 2022
• Address: Outlets at Castle Rock, Castle Rock
• About: Head to the Outlets at Castle Rock from the beginning of November to December for great shopping deals and holiday festivities.

Festivals in December

Holidays at Outlets at Castle Rock

• Date: Mon-Fri, TBD 2022
• Address: Outlets at Castle Rock, Castle Rock
• About: Head to the Outlets at Castle Rock from the beginning of November through December for great shopping deals and holiday festivities.

Denver Christkindl Market

• Date: Fri-Fri, November 18-December 23, 2022
• Address: Civic Center Park, 101 14th Ave, Denver, CO 80204
• About: 21st year for the month-long Christkindl Market in downtown Denver. Experience old German traditions with authentic cuisine, live music, holiday drinks, and an artisan marketplace.

Polar Express Train Ride

• Date: Fri-Sun, November 18, 2022 – January 1, 2023
• Address: Durango
• About: Aboard the Polar Express Train Ride, you and your family will be swept away into an elaborate holiday fantasy, complete with hot chocolate, a light show, holiday music, and, of course, Santa.

Denver Botanic Gardens Blossoms of Light

• Date: Fri-Sat, November 18, 2022 – January 7, 2023
• Address: Denver
• About: A stroll through the Denver Botanic Gardens is a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season. The Blossoms of Light extravaganza is a twinkling and breathtaking way to spend a winter evening.

Noel Night

• Date: Friday, December 2, 2022
• Address: Durango
• About: The largest shopping night of the year in Durango full of music, treats, decorations, and holiday festivities.

Holiday Arts Bazaar

• Date: Fri-Sun, December 2-4, 2022
• Address: Telluride
• About: A 3-day holiday market that sells an array of locally made and handcrafted items including jewelry, food, clothing, and ceramics.

Telluride Fire Festival

• Date: Fri-Sun, December 2-4, 2022
• Address: Telluride
• About: A 3-day festival celebrating community, fire, and art in the mountains inspired by Burning Man.

Evergreen Winterfest

• Date: Saturday, December 3, 2022
• Address: Evergreen
• About: Community arts festival showcasing handmade gifts at the Center for the Arts Evergreen.

Parade of Lights

• Date: Saturday, December 3, 2022
• Address: Denver
• About: Denver comes alive each year for multiple nights during the first days of December with twinkling lights and pageantry at the city’s largest, longest, and most exciting parade of the year.

The Lighting of Breckenridge & Race of the Santas

• Date: Saturday, December 3, 2022
• Address: Breckenridge
• About: Kick off December with the family by participating in this holiday event. Watch the town light up as hundreds of Santas run through the streets.

Festival of Lights Parade

• Date: Saturday, December 3, 2022
• Address: Colorado Springs
• About: Colorado Springs starts its holiday season off by illuminating the town with the Festival of Lights Parade. Bring the family and enjoy the festivities as Santa and a myriad of floats wander down the road.

Georgetown Christmas Market

• Date: Sat-Sun, December 3-4th and 10-11th, 2022
• Address: 6th Street, Georgetown
• About: 62nd annual Christmas Market is held on the first two Saturdays and Sundays in December. Celebrations include a European outdoor marketplace, holiday entertainment, horse-drawn wagon rides, Saint Nicholas, Christmas museum tours, high tea at Grace Hall, wassail crawl, hot roasted chestnuts, and Santa Lucia Children’s Procession.

Ullr Fest

• Date: Thurs-Sun, December 8-11, 2022
• Address: Breckenridge
• About: Festival celebrating the winter god of Norse mythology, now in its 58th year. Shenanigans include frying pans, Viking hats, “Ullympic” competitions and a floats parade.

Gold Camp Christmas Weekend

• Date: Fri-Sat, December 9-10, 2022
• Address: Cripple Creek
• About: Get into the holiday spirit by enjoying a weekend of fun full of festive activities, a winter parade, and a light show.

Thanks for checking out some of the great fall festivals in Colorado! Enjoy the good times and the changing of seasons.